Critical Essay on Characteristics of the Italian Renaissance

The Renaissance began in the early 14th Century and ended in the 17th century (History.com editors, 2018). It originated in Italy, with Florence often being hailed as the birthplace of the Renaissance (Migiro 2019). “The Renaissance art evolved through three main stages; Early Renaissance (1400-1475 AD), High Renaissance (1475-1525 AD) and Late Renaissance or Mannerism (1525-1600 AD)”. (hearty n.d)

Renaissance means “re-birth” (Mingren, 2019) where art combined an individualistic view of man with an awareness of nature and classical learning (Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia,2020), “new thinking” was partly due to the social and political breakdown of medieval structures (Wilde 2020). There was an increased interest in a realistic depiction of the human form and emotional expression as well as space, using light and shadow to create an illusion of depth (hearty n.d). The Renaissance rejected the Byzantine style of religious paintings that were common in the previous medieval eras (lumen learning n.d), often viewing them as “discarding high artistic standards set by the ancient Romans and Greeks” (art factory n.d). New concepts arose from the Renaissance period, such as humanism. Humanists challenged the ideologies of the dominant Catholic church, focusing instead on “the features of human nature and attempts by man to master nature”. (Wilde 2020)

Exploring art beyond religion and worship was brought about by an amalgamation of factors. However, the patronage of the wealthy Medici Family and subsequent rich individuals allowed art to look beyond the Catholic church to other areas (Rebecca Kling, 2017). After the black death, mobility increased across all of Europe so trade and tourism contributed to the wealth of Italian courts. Patrons also wanted to support the arts to make political and social points, they also used it as a not-so-subtle way of demonstrating their wealth and power to their citizens and rival courts (Robert Wilde, 2020). Many famous and world-renowned artists emerged during the Renaissance, such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael, who were the leading artists of this period. Within this essay, I will analyze “The School of Athens” by Raphael, Florence Cathedral by Brunelleschi, and “La Pieta” by Michelangelo.

School of Athens By Raphael

Raphael’s “School of Athens” is one of the four Fresco paintings in the “Stanze di Raffaello” commissioned by the Vatican (Graduateway, 2019). Like Florence Cathedral, most of the Renaissance art and architecture was commissioned by the Church. Painted between 1510-1511, (totally history n.d) it showcases the “High Renaissance” style of art. It displays a “renewed interest in ancient Graeco-Roman philosophies” (StudyDriver, n.d) that characterized the Renaissance. The “Stanze di Raffaello” represents the four branches of knowledge: “philosophy, theology, poetry, and justice” (Awkward42, 2015) with “The School of Athens” exhibiting philosophy. This life-like Fresco seems to prize human intellect and there is a sense of eagerness to learn within this painting, shown through the lively discussions and intense reading and writing. This emotive body language is typical of the High Renaissance era and is an excellent example of humanism.

The Painting depicts many famous philosophers and thinkers such as Aristotle, Plato, Socrates, and Euclid (Sightseeingtoursitaly, n.d). Aristotle and Plato are placed in the middle center of the painting, highlighted with an arch above their heads, so that they are not lost in the detail. Raphael has done this to emphasize their importance. Although the painting includes 58 people (Nitin, 2014), most of them hypothetical, it is not overcrowded. They are spread out across the painting, at different levels, giving the painting depth as well as creating order and balance, and a story is told through movement and expression. Raphael paints idealized body figures, which seem to be inspired by ancient Graeco-Roman statues, which is a stark contrast to the flat, Byzantine religious idols painted in the Medieval era. It seems that Raphael is celebrating humankind and its achievements through realistic, idealized figures (which he almost shows in the same light as religious idols) and romanticized depictions of education.

Raphael uses tone to increase the “Trompe l’oeil” effect. You can see light highlighting statues, such as Apollo and Athena (Awkward42,2015), and shadows pooling in the domes, making you feel as if you can almost step into the painting. The bright blue sky and clean, crisp hall they are standing in our tranquil and almost heavenly, the contrast between indoors and outdoors could symbolize philosophy and nature (which represents God and theology) working in unison. I believe that Raphael is suggesting that philosophy and education are as important as religion. The building is also clearly inspired by ancient Roman architecture, showing how the Renaissance idealized that ancient culture. Raphael’s use of bright colors not only highlights important figures but also increases the busyness in the painting giving a sense of hope and excitement for the future, after the dark of the medieval era. The monumental size of the painting (5m by 7.7m) (Visitvatican, n.d) increases the feeling of awe, the same effect you would get from religious paintings.

Florence Cathedral by Filippo Brunelleschi

Florence Cathedral, originally designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, was structurally completed in 1436 by Filippo Brunelleschi, who designed the dome which dominates most of the cathedral (Wikipedia, 2021). Due to the long construction period (140 years) (Senatore, 2015), Florence Cathedral has a variety of architectural influences and includes both Gothic and Renaissance architecture (Senatore, 2015). The Cathedral was built mainly using marble and brick (Wikipedia, 2019) and is covered in geometric, decorative designs.

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The Dome that dominates most of the Cathedral, represents the early Renaissance style (Archinomy, n.d), as well as “marking the beginning of Renaissance architecture” (Norbert, 2020). The Dramatic exterior contains elements of ancient Greek and Roman architecture typical of the Renaissance period, as it includes methodical arrangements of domes, arches, and columns (Wikipedia, 2021). The height and size of the dome have a spiritual significance, as it is closer to heaven than any other building in the city, which would explain why the upper floors of the cathedral don’t serve a practical purpose.

Florence Cathedral was built to “outshine” neighboring towns, such as Siena and Pisa to demonstrate the wealth and power of their city-state (Carol Senatore, 2015), its purpose was also to rebuild “the grandeur of Rome” (Gombrich, 1989), a common theme among Renaissance art and architecture. The Cathedral towers above the rest of the city and can be seen from a far distance. This suggests that Catholicism was the dominant religion at the time, as it also has the facilities to hold a lot of people for Mass. Its size suggests that the patron had an ego and wanted to demonstrate and flaunt their wealth, suggesting a sense of civic pride. Florence Cathedral would have also been beneficial for the patron, as they were giving back to the community so would have gained popularity. It has a similar color palette to the buildings surrounding it, giving the Cathedral a sense of belonging, as well as presenting Florence as united.

Inside the Cathedral, the huge space echoes the grandeur of the ancient Romans and Greeks. The Dome is covered in Fresco paintings (Arthistoryproject, n.d) and, like “The School of Athens”, uses the “Trompe l’oeil” effect. The intricate details and finishes, as well as the complex construction of the Dome rival that of ancient Rome and Greece, in my opinion. Florence Cathedral really demonstrates how the Renaissance was able to “bridge the gap between the Middle Ages and modern-day civilization”. (History, 2020)

La Pieta by Michelangelo

Michelangelo’s “La Pieta” was completed in 1499 (Archcityreligion, n.d) and depicts The Virgin Mary cradling Jesus, after his crucifixion. This sculpture was commissioned by Cardinal Jean de Billheres as a funeral monument (Totallyhistory, n.d). Again, this shows, like in “The School of Athens” and Florence Cathedral, the impact that the church had at the time on the development of Renaissance artwork and architecture, as they were often the patrons. “La Pieta” is an example of High Renaissance artwork, as it is an “Ideal balance between stillness and movement” (Wikipedia, 2021). This can be seen in Mary's intricately sculpted dress flowing around Jesus.

“La Pieta”, meaning “Pity” in Italian, and “Piety” in Latin (Fernandes, 2018), is made from Carrara marble (Totallyhistory, n.d) which gives the sculpture an ageless elegance and a regal status to Mary and Jesus. The marble is light in color, suggesting the purity and cleanliness of God. The smooth surface of the sculpture would have taken time and care. This could symbolize the affection Mary felt for Jesus, and the love that she felt for him is reflected in the effort that Michelangelo put into the sculpture. The smooth surface appears to me to be like still water reflecting the calmness that Mary feels and the trust that she has placed in God, who has just taken away her only child.

Mary and Jesus are out of proportion in this sculpture. Michelangelo has purposefully done this to suggest that Jesus will forever be Mary's child. This makes us pity Mary, the sculpture creating a quiet sorrow. However, Michelangelo chose not to show anguish or suffering on either of their faces (Totallyhistory, n.d), instead creating a peaceful atmosphere, again, showing their absolute trust in God. Michelangelo has sculpted Mary as youthful, symbolizing her purity through this. This also portrays the idealized forms that we saw in “The School of Athens” and is common in most Renaissance work, using the beauty and harmony that is apparent in naturalism. Mary's head is out of proportion to the rest of her body, again, highlighting traditional feminine ideals of petite features.

To Conclude, I chose “The School of Athens”, Florence Cathedral, and “La Pieta”, as I believe they show the breadth and range of techniques that the Renaissance accomplished. These three are famous and classic examples from the Renaissance, exhibiting naturalism, humanism, and realism, as well as showing how the social and political ideologies at the time brought about and impacted Renaissance art and architecture. I consider the Renaissance to be one of the most influential art movements, redefining art as a means of communicating power, wealth, ideologies as well as religion.

Bibliography

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